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The Must-Sees of Tennessee

Are you taking a
trip to Tennessee? This state is home to some real cultural gems. From the
stunning scenery of the wilderness to the relics of the unforgettable musicians
discovered here, there’s something to entertain everyone. Here’s our rundown of
a handful of the must-see attractions.

The Great Smoky
Mountains National Park is well and truly awe-inspiring, and it’s no surprise
that it’s the most visited national park in the U.S. Here, the Appalachian
Trail is a beautiful way to walk in the footsteps of the original settlers, but
the most breathtaking walks are in Cades Cove.

This part of the park is quite
popular, so if you’re planning on visiting, it’s worth it to arrive early. That
way, you’ll not have to share the space, and you’re much more likely to see
some of the wildlife. The park is home to around 1,600 black bears, which are a
real treat to spot. As well as black bears, there are turkeys and deer in
abandon and a few coyotes and even wild boar. Besides walking and nature
watching, you can hire camping and fishing gear and embrace all that the Smoky
Mountains have to offer.

Graceland

Visit Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley [ photo: by Corey Robertson / CC BY 2.0 ]

Everybody knows
that about Graceland, home of the late great Elvis Presley. His daughter Lisa
Marie Presley now owns the Memphis mansion, which has been open to the public
since 1982. For Elvis fans, this is akin to Mecca, but even those who aren’t
devotees are likely to enjoy a visit here. It’s the second most visited home in
America, and it’s not hard to see why! A tour takes you through the living
room, the kitchen, the office, the TV room and the “Jungle Room.” You’ll be
able to climb aboard his airplanes and pay your respects in the Meditation
Garden where he lay alongside the rest of his family.

Eat at Stock &
Barrel

Having visited
Graceland, it would be rude not to pay a little homage to “The King.” This Knoxville burger joint specializes in two things only: burgers and bourbon. The
Elvis burger is an out-of-this-world eating experience, a juicy beef patty
topped with organic peanut butter, fried bananas and crispy bacon. The owners
of the restaurant are firm believers in farm-to-table dining and work with
local farms to ensure all their produce is of top quality. All their beef comes
from pasture-fed Holstein cattle raised by the Mitchell Family, a
sixth-generation Grainger County farmer. The buns are from the Flour Head
Bakery in Knoxville, and all the toppings are as local as possible, so it’s as
close to a guilt-free burger as you’re likely to find!

Watch Sports at the
FedExForum

Don’t leave
Tennessee without watching some live sports, especially since the Memphis Grizzlies have done well in the NBA, so their tickets are super affordable.
Their home is the enormous FedExForum, capable of holding more than 18,000
fans, with 1,000 premier courtside seats if you feel like splashing out!

If you
do choose to watch a game, then treat yourself to a cheat day! Some of the food
stands here are quite something. On the south side, you’ll find the UpTempo
Grill where the Memphis fries are out of this world — crisp, sweet potato fries
topped with smoky pulled pork, melted pimento cheese and sour cream. Delicious.
Of course, if you’re not a huge sports fan, this stadium is also home to plenty
of other spectacles, from famous musicians to stage shows and more. Just pick a
day, and there’s bound to be something to entertain you!

Visit Ruby Falls

Another attraction
for outdoorsy types is Ruby Falls, the country’s largest and deepest waterfall.
Here, we recommend heading to the limestone caves in Chattanooga and exploring
a vast underground cave network. The caves formed by subterranean streams
slowly eroding the limestone walls, and this waterfall was only discovered in
1928.

The discoverer Leo Lambert was so inspired by the huge waterfall that he
named it after his wife Ruby and opened it to the public so that everyone could
marvel at its beauty. The waterfall itself lies 341 meters underground, and the
hundreds of gallons that rush through each minute continue their journey into
the Tennessee River.

If you happen to be traveling with a thrill-seeker, then
treat yourself to a trip on the High Point ZIP Adventure that’s right outside the
caves. The adventure features numerous different climbing and swinging routes
for beginners up to experienced climbers, all with staggering views of the
Tennessee Valley.